A new classified intelligence assessment concludes it is more likely than previously thought that Russian forces will enter eastern Ukraine, CNN has learned.

Two administration officials described the assessment but declined to be identified due to the sensitive nature of the information.

The officials emphasized that nothing is certain, but there have been several worrying signs in the past three to four days.

“This has shifted our thinking that the likelihood of a further Russian incursion is more probable than it was previously thought to be,” one official said.

The buildup is seen to be reminiscent of Moscow’s military moves before it went into Chechnya and Georgia in both numbers of units and their capabilities.

U.S. military and intelligence officials have briefed Congress on the assessment.

As a result, Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee late Wednesday sent a classified letter to the White House expressing concern about unfolding developments.

An unclassified version obtained by CNN said committee members feel “urgency and alarm, based on new information in the committee’s possession.”

The committee said there was “deep apprehension that Moscow may invade eastern and southern Ukraine, pressing west to Transdniestria and also seek land grabs in the Baltics.”

Transdniestria is a separatist region of Moldova.

Committee members noted that Gen. Philip Breedlove, head of the U.S. European Command and NATO military chief, noted the Russians had sufficient forces to make moves into those areas.

American officials believe the more than 30,000 Russian forces on the border with Ukraine, combined with additional Russian forces placed on alert and mobilized to move, give Russian President Vladimir Putin the ability to rapidly move into Ukraine without the United States being able to predict it when it happens.

The assessment makes several new points including:

Troops on Russia’s border with eastern Ukraine – which exceed 30,000 - are “significantly more” than what is needed for the “exercises” Russia says it has been conducting, and there is no sign the forces are making any move to return to their home bases.

The troops on the border with Ukraine include large numbers of
“motorized” units that can quickly move. Additional special forces, airborne troops, air transport and other units that would be needed appear to be at a higher state of mobilization in other locations in Russia.

There is additional intelligence that even more Russian forces are “reinforcing” the border region, according to both officials. All of the troops are positioned for potential military action.

Russian troops already on the border region include air defense artillery and wheeled vehicles.

The United States believes that Russia might decide to go into eastern Ukraine to establish a land bridge into Crimea.

The belief is that Russian forces would move toward three Ukrainian cities: Kharkiv, Luhansk and Donetsk in order to establish land access into Crimea. Russian forces are currently positioned in and around Rostov, Kursk, and Belgorod, according to U.S. intelligence information.

America has been played like a "toothless tiger". All talk and what action can it take, none. And why? Because it is a toothless tiger when it comes up against something that it can't manipulate. Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, to name a few. If the Yanks were more interested in building bridges with those it needs to instead of having the CIA(etc) try and manipulate an outcome before something even starts the whole World would be in a better place, even the Yanks themselves. I never thought I would be a Yank basher but I can not see how they are going to stop the Russians, or the others mentioned for that matter, if they start to invade Ukraine. Why, because the "bully on the block" only fights a fight it can win. And further that it cannot manipulate any out come here for its benefit. The Yanks took their eye off the ball with all their carry on in the Middle East. They have become so indecisive in everything they do, it truly is beyond belief. What beneficial out come has there been in any of the wars/conflicts they, Australia and others have been in since the Second World War? Bugger America! The poor people of Ukraine will be left to fend for themselves and why you may ask!

"Military corporations are real warmongers who want to increase their profits and therefore pay lying mass media." YOU ARE CORRECT THIS IS HOW MONSTER PUTIN CONDUCTS HIS KILLING MACHINE MASQURADING AS A GAS STATION

"What make you think Russia want an invasion?" PUTIN IS A MONSTER WHO PREYS ON WEAKNESS LIKE AN ANIMAL PUTIN IS COMMUNIST & A PREDIATOR PUTIN IS THE WORLDS PREMIRE CRIMINAL. THE USE OF MORAL EQUIVALANCY IS TO IMPOSSE A CHILDS MIND SET ON FREE ADULTS ANYPLACE AT ANY TIME like Cambodia 1975 where 12 year old girls were turned into armed labor camp dictators who tourtured and killed adults with corective eye wear. IS THIS HOW YOU COMMUNIST MOTHER F'ers DEMAND YOU BE TREATED.

Why do you think that Crimeans are so stupid to prefer poor East instead of rich West?
In fact it wasn't choice for better living, it was a choice between life and death. What would be your own choice under the constant pressure of nationalists who are treating, beating, robbing, even killing non indigenous nation, forcing them to leave? Crimeans were urged to leave, so they left with their homeland after the owerwhelming referendum. BTW, happy Crimeans call it rejoining because Crimea was Russia's territory for centuries and only 23 years under independent Ukraine. Gorbachov called it correction of historic mistake.
EU/US sanctions are intend for their return to the hell? It's stupid...

Who said, that West is rich and East is poor? Open your eyes, people. EU is in constantly crisis (remember Greece and Cyprus). USA has an biggest debt in the world. There economics are on the edge of collapse.
The China, India, South Korea, Russia have economic growth. They are the future.

March 28, 2014 at 8:01 am |

Antifa

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te2E1R5YHBI&w=640&h=360]

March 28, 2014 at 8:25 am |

Piotr

Putin will take Ukraina because USA and EU cant make really economic sanctions, or even help Ukraine by selling weapon, while Italy and Germany still support Russia and France is building warships for Russia

geezus look up victor yanukovych ....cant blame people for wanting change. In what country would an automobile mechanic who did time in jail for robbery and assault become their statesman....what a gem....cant see why ukrainians wanted change.....duhh

@Steve
According to US and EU observers, there were no issues/red flags during the elections. Therefore, he was democratically elected President. Fair and square. And, yes, after he served time- twice. Is that shows how bright are people are or what?
If people want a change, they should either start an impeachment process or wait until his term in the office will end.

You know why I think this "intel report" is not good? It is because of this phrase: "American officials believe the more than 30,000 Russian forces on the border with Ukraine"
Just 30,000? When America invaded Iraq in 2003 they had 280,000 soldiers for the invasion. Ukraine is stronger than Iraq was in 2003 and Russia isn't as strong as the Coalition in 2003. They would need much more men than 30,000 soldiers to accomplish their objective. Maybe there will be more, but its made me highly skeptical about the how serious this report is.

Hm...
One side (US/EU) sponsors Neo-Nazi coup d'état in Ukraine.
Another side (Russia) annexes territory of an independent state.
I see Evil fighting on both sides.
While "world" and "regional" powers clash for their
geopolitical interests, Ukrainian people are sufferring ;(

ukraine on mass wanted change. And the change they wanted was a future aligned with the west, Why? simply because the future is a lot brighter. many eastern block countries have made so much progress towards freedoms and wealth. Turn on any TV and tell me you 'dream' of living in moscow or valdivostok.....its a poor , dull oppressive dictatorship.... Alternatively poland....romania..eastern germany , bulgaria, czech republic.....all living wealthier lives since breaking away....its natural choice. The wealthy russians go live in the UK, US and france....no wealthy westerners want live in russia....obviously. So people simply wanted a better life...its not ricket scenece why they would want this either

You are wrong. I know Bulgarians who came work in Russia, because Bulgaria is very poor after it came into EU. This people can't find a good work in Bulgaria. EU is in crisis, it can't help Ukrain good enought.

March 28, 2014 at 6:22 am |

Mart

@John – that may be true, as Bulgaria is one of the VERY FEW EU members from post-Soviet bloc that have GDP per capita (purchase power parity considered) lower than in Russia. Others – Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia – have their GDP per capita at least 15% higher than Russia, despite the fact that Russia is a country of great wealth as it comes to, say, natural resources.

And even these countries rank well below "crisis-ridden" 15 EU states...

Of course, there are inequalities in EU, there are the poor, there is EU's idiotic bureaucracy . But still, as a post-Soviet bloc resident I have no doubts: both economically and as far as civil liberties are concerned, EU offers you more than Russia could have ever offered. It would've been much, much more even if Russia didn't lean towards a totalitarian state again, as it I'm afraid does nowadays.

Is the US intelligence information really credible after their failure to predict even the simplest move of the Russians such as the takeover of Crimea? Pulling "info" out of your backside is called intelligence now?)

Lie, lie, lie. Watch RT and you will get first hand information from other side. Russia hate war and does everything to prevent it (Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria). Military corporations are real warmongers who want to increase their profits and therefore pay lying mass media.

thing is....world is different now.....for russia is a big deal....but for rest of the world its a bit of a who cares...we live good lives...they living in poverty.....russia is a has been.....its not strong on any index...its just a bigger north korea....crazy , poor and laughed at mostly.....i mean seriously....putin takes his shirt off more often than the cover for a gay pride magazine

Russia want the eastern and south part of Ukraine because this area is where the metals, minerals, coal , shal and gas reserves are. What will be left of Ukraine will be a very heavy burden on EU wilt littele hope of fast economic recovery.
IMF shoul NOT demand that pensiuons are reduced now ! Russia can not be allowed to intervene i Ukraine – Ukraine need more weapons to defend themself against airstrikes and tanks. OPEN YOUR EYES ! Its the old reciept – misinformation – destabilisation with provokators – riots and then the millitary intervention. many greetings Jacob Schønberg

What is indeed sad no one in US says openly and publicly what Alex Jones, RT, 9/11 conspiracist, illuminati believers and other internet and YouTube lunatics truly are. Foreign intelligence psychological warfare tubes. Than we have Charlie who believes everything KGB, Iranian, Chinese and North Korean government along with Al Qaeda wants him to believe. One thing is knowing what BS your own country government did, another is believing they evil.

Dymitri Ukraine and Iraq are very comparable by size both by area and population, Ukraine being only slightly bigger. What matters in conflicts however is not country size but it's army size. During invasion of Iraq, Iraqis Army was forth worlds biggest army on paper.
Who US supposed to intimidate? Ukrainians? They are more like disillusioned knowing they are on their own, ... while they should be not, because they sovereignty was guaranteed also by US.
Check at least Wiki before bringing your home TV propaganda nonsense on this forum...

comparable?! Ukraine twice bigger! Look on the map! And size is important – you need control territory, you need support your army. Population 50% more.

Yes, US intimidate Ukrainians, because it real hysterics now... new political leader all like one speak what Russia will invade... all TV speaks the same... it stupid idea... and 30.000 not enough! This forces is just for training. We have new minister for defence and from last year he check-out all bases and forces... one by one... he makes big trainings and so on...
In last year nobody speak about it... but now.... stupid...

What propaganda? You speak with your propaganda... like was in 2008 after Georgia... all world said Russia aggressor, but later consider what Russia was right.

Twice bigger? Look at map? No! You go look at map, read wiki and quote numbers because obviously your Russian Wikipedia must be given different ones that I my English one gives 435/603 square km. 44/36 millions. Where you get twice as big?
Territory mattered because... look Dymitri lets just agree you're not army general. Leave tactics to generals expertise.
World agreed Russia was right in Georgia??? Dymitri you must heard it on Russian TV. World I live in did not heard about such nonsense.

March 28, 2014 at 3:42 am |

Antifa

Georgia started the war in Osetia 08/08/08. All who have brains know that. Saakashvili had to ate his tie after that.

March 28, 2014 at 4:00 am |

Dimitry from Russia

You are typical troll.... 600 vs 400 and 45 vs 30 is a big difference. Sure not twice, but not "very comparable" like you said. And landscape more difficult. It is not desert like Iraq.

Fact is one – 30.000 not enough.

And no, Im not army general, but some facts is absolutely known: US nuclear weapons much older than Russian, US have no one test for it in last 10 years, and Russia do it few time a year. US nuclear weapons will be cut in 1-2 years from 5000 to just 300 and will become like China. Russia have newest and a lot of it, total – 6000.

What else...
byers will say what weapons better:
USA 29% world value. Who buy? Biggest byers: Australia, S.Korea, Emirates.
Russia 27% world value. Biggest: China, India
And now try to turn on your brain. US customers do not produce their own weapons, they must buy american because they are dont have other choice. To big pressure. Its "ally". And Russian customers very big and strong countries with their own political way, with their own weapon production, AND they like Russian weapons. Just think about it 😉

BUT BUT BUT it is absolutely nonsensical to compare armies of US, Russia or China... all will die.

March 28, 2014 at 5:40 am |

tennenrishin

Look at the size of Ukraine and Iraq on a SPHERICAL map, not on a RECTANGULAR map, which distorts the sizes.

Remember people, Russia don't going to invade any country. They don't need it. There was not russian soldiers in Crimea. People of Crimea desided to live with more rich and friendly Russia. Nobody force them to do it. All was absolutely peacebly. I don't understand what's a problem.
And remember. If Russia will deside to harm US, it just can begin to sell it's oil for euros or other currency (not for the dollars). And american dollar will collapse, so as and american economy

March 28, 2014 at 6:44 am |

steve

im not concerened....russia is looking more like north korea daily. Russia spends 5% of the worlds defense budget....US alone 40%....even china now is twice russia....so US is essentially 8 times the military and many times the economic power....throw in europe and its really a bit pathetic....starting a military campaign against the US would be a very one way ticket for russia. Considering Russia is already poor ( it ranks 105 in life quality just below botswanna) you have to ask what they gain out of a bit of ukrainian dirt except more lines for bread and potatoes

US and Russia and Chine will never fight because it will be end of the world.

US spend astronomic money for offensive, to "bring democracy" around the world.

Russian strategy is defence. Russia have best air defence in the world, most modern and powerful.

But if needed Russian nuclear army is also most powerful, we have newest rockets, we test it every time. And US not... all your rockets too old, about 20-30 years old, it is critical age for it. And US dont test it for a long time... so i'm not sure it still fly....

the russian army is not only small but old...simply look it up.....US has more money...a much bigger population ....8 times the military spending and technologically is the world leader on every single index... look at russian cars.....russian economy....russian quality of life.....all bad ( ranks 105 in quality of life index after african countries).....russia looks to the west in all it aspires to be and could be....but instead...its going to be lights out like north kores and back into lines for bread and potatoes

March 28, 2014 at 3:02 am |

Dimitry from Russia

show me modern US army! =D

SM-3 rocket what do not work. Just can destroy old satellite, and only because they exactly know where is it, trajectory and speed!? )))) Russian rockets can change the speed, trajectory absolutely unpredictable, Russian nuclear missiles divide from one to ten, and each of it will fly its own target and manoeuvring.

Then Putin said he will bring Iskander to Kaliningrad if Obama bring Patriot in Poland, Obama at once cancel this plan. Because he know it is impossible to intercept.

Only Russia every time test our rockets and all of it is perfect. When US last time test nuclear rockets? =D 10 years ago? 2 rockets? 1 normal and 2nd destroyed in the air after lost control? =D

i hate to say ths...but the US dominates everything on the power and quality index.... russia dominates poverty....low living standards....quality of life ( below botswanna) ...freedoms ( akin to north korea)....no one wants to move or dreams of living in russian because life is hard for you guys....potatoes...ques and poverty....thrown in jail if you have an opinion......you can keep that...no one in the world wants to live in a poor broke dictatorship.....and btw...the US speaks english...thanks for taking the time to learn the dominant language!

March 28, 2014 at 4:56 am |

Dimitry from Russia

lol =D your propaganda works well
come to Russia and you will see how we live.... you will be surprised.
Or americans still think all in Russia drink vodka, play on balalaika and bears walk on streets? =D

Actually the quality of life index is better in Ukraine than in Russia. So the more stranger that Crimea voted to join Russia, since most of it's population are retired, and depended on Kiev for pensions and healthcare costs.

Stop the hysterics. Better help ordinary Ukrainian peoples to get rid of pro Nazi Red Sector until it is too late. Russia has this experience in the past, it had liberated Europe from Napoleon and Hitler.

I'm from Russia, And I totally agree with Points to Consider.
I don't like Putin actually, but in this case I support him at 100 percent.
I want Obama to answer just one question for me: "What would you do mister President if Russia paces military bases along Mexican border? Will You sit still? Senate will sit still?"

President Obama answers: act like a civilized nation, stop supporting every bully lunatic you can find on this planet (N Korea, Iran, Assad), allow opposition to have their voice,... and there will be no need for NATO at all.
Contrary to what your home media brain wash propaganda tries to make you believe, NATO does not exist because West hates Russia. The only reason NATO do exist is because there is no one nation bordering Russia who was not invaded or tried to be invaded by it in last 100 years.

Though i don't support Russia in case of creamea. But your view is absolutely wrong about the US support. US has best friends in middle east such as soudi king and many others in the past. So don't be proud of your country man. It still supports many dictators around the world.

March 28, 2014 at 6:44 am |

Numerius

I watch all 3 sources of propaganda (USA, Russian, and a little of Ukrainian) So I can compile them. And After that I don't believe them all and trying to think by my self.
You have never been in Crimea and watching only CNN – Who is brain washed then?

Who told you that Russia supports Northern Korea?
I haven't Asad and I don't judge people only by media "point of view".
Maybe He is bad maybe... But what I believe is that Sirian brave enouth to handle this by themselves without "civilized drones" killing them like it was in Serbia.

If Obama (2 years left in the office) wouldn't do his best to be a "Great President" by pulling out "Russian the evil country" card, nothing would happen.

We can't give our assets to america for free – read the history of Cremea.

March 28, 2014 at 12:57 pm |

Mr. Man

A massive war could be about to start in Europe and yet CNN's frontpage is still screaming about a plane that obviously crashed weeks ago.

Actually, there's no such word in Russian. He is "durack", but that's way too gentle. "Mudak" or "eban'ko" would be more appropriate. You can find plenty of such folks in every country. The thing is, 90% of Russians are brainwashed idiots like him, or much worse. They are entirely hopeless. Bragging about conquering the rest of the Eastern Europe and restoring the Soviet empire goes on everywhere (not only in government controlled media). That's not gonna end well, especially for Europe and Russia itself. It all looks like Weimar Germany prior to WW2, but now with nuclear weapons present.

Drawback of such a move is, UN forum is good place to critic and ridicule Russian propaganda nonsense on international forum. On other hand it would be dramatic move. Surely country so bluntly violating international law basic principles does not deserves seat in its highest body of organization who was established to create such law. League of Nations was created in response to WWI – so it never happens again. UN in response to WWII – so hopefully it not happens again. Putin acts like Hitler. It's like annexation of Czechoslovakia all over again. Practically identical scenario. Even geographic location almost same.
Surely Hitler should have no seat in UN. UN exists so there is no another Hitler.

Whether Russia invades Ukraine or not, it would do very well to remember our own iniquitous invasions of both Iraq and Afghanistan and the subsequent occupations of these countries. Nobody screamed when these ignominies took place and now let the Russians and Ukrainians settle their own differences.

Ukrainian crisis closely resambles annexation of Czechoslovakia by Hitler in 1938. To remind Hitler invaded it under false pretense of defending German minority in Sudetenland supposedly oppressed by Czechs. Even he swore publicly he do not intends to invade entire Czechoslovakia he eventually did.

Czechoslovakia fate seemed for US public in 1938 world away to have any significance for is own livelihood, yet not 3 years passed millions of Americans were fighting in Europe's trenches, 400,000 stayed there forever.
Once war ended, annexation of Czechoslovakia become known in history as one of most shameful, gutless conduct of civilized world ever, who allow brutal bully to terrorize weaker peaceful neighbor in sharp violation of international law, practically at its quiet acceptence. Many historians argued since, would civilized world stood up to a Hitler in 1938 when he was still relatively weak, it's very likely entire WWII would never happen.

In 1994 in Budapest Memorandum president Yeltzin, Clinton and British Prime Minister Major in return for Ukrainian agreement for disposal of Nuclear weapons signed memorandum guaranteeing it non aggression, sovereignty and integrity of its borders. Well, Ukraine territory was invaded. According to CNN who repeats after US military intelligence, thousands of Russian troops massing on Ukraine's eastern border.
Only now that it happen we all really learn what US and British guarantees really meant.
To back their word:
US is ready to,... impose visa bans...
UK decided to,... DEACREASE military cooperation with Russia...

Would Ukraine hold its nukes and don't trust foreign security guarantees surely no one would dare to invad nuclear state. I'm sure they giving deep thought their decision now. Also even you will not hear it in public (as this is dangerous retoric which could be interpreted by Russia as weakness of alliance – which allies are well aware of) I'm sure European NATO allies also giving deep thought how much NATO alliance is really worth. After all entire NATO alliance is nothing more than another guarantee on paper.
It seems president Obama believes Putin can be reason with. Putin invaded Chechnia, Georgia, Moldavia, Ukraine now, openly says he dreams of restoring USSR, known by WikiLeaks American Embassy in Moscow wires describe his entire government as criminal enterprise, yet he still will not sacrifice his vision of Obamacare even in face of growing threat for global nuclear Holocoust.
In my humble opinion it's not a question of if US will have to stand to Russia. Putin give no bum about international law or public opinion. It's only question when. Now when he is relatively weak or perhaps two years from now when most of former USSR republics and Eastern European countries will be back in new Warsaw Pact.

There is a price for gutless and Word you spoke does define who you are.

Entire peace balance rest on today's luck of technological means to reliably defend from ICBM attack. It's only question of time as advance of technology will equip someone with this ability and it is not guaranteed it will be US...

Some Internet and YouTube self proclaimed gurus want you to believe that US military complex tries to play on public fears to get more funds. I asking myself question could it be those gurus are funded by KGB, Chinease, Iranian government even Al Qeada?
It surely is in very interest of all those mentioned that you believe exactly that...

"annexation of Czechoslovakia by Hitler in 1938"...
My dear Polish Friend, Poland had also profitted from this.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish%E2%80%93Czechoslovak_border_conflicts

You'll ask me what's my point... Well, given the events from the past
you're referring to, I'd like you to be a little bit more objective when judging
contemporary events. No offence. Just an advice 😉

March 28, 2014 at 5:16 am |

stranger

@ Robert Kowalski

A European Union investigation concluded that Georgia had started the war. It also concluded that Russia did have the right to intervene in cases of attacks against Russian peacekeepers. The only problem is that that further Russian advance into Georgian territory was not justified: http://www.ceiig.ch/

Chechnya is part of Russia. You can't invade yourself. If you are saying that Russia invaded Chechnya, you should agree that USA invaded Texas during Waco Siege in 1993

I love when people remember one historical fact, but forgetting another. You are right about Budapest memorandum. But why you(or anyone else) never mentioned agreement that was made a little earlier? When Gorbachev helped to re-unite Germany, part of the deal was that NATO won't move East of Germany. Ever. Now, please, check your beloved Wiki and ask yourself "how come this agreement was thrown away?"

And last, but not least. Judging by your last name, you are Polish. Did you ever heard about Volyn Massacre? Here is a little news for you: right now you are supporting a very same movement that carried this operation against your compatriots/ancestors. I hope you are proud...

History is a funny thing, isn't?

PS I agree with you on one thing: if Ukraine would have nucs, no one would invade Ukraine. Nobody would have a reason for it. All because Maidan won't happen. As soon as it would start, entire world would be supporting a guy who was not just a democratically elected President(after serving time- twice. Is that shows how bright are people are or what?), but also a guy who had his finger on the "magic" button.

Yeah question is can world survive that long?
I voted for him and now I regret. Palin already says: "told you so". She and McCain prophesied: "he will have no spine to stand to Russia and Middle East and they will eat him alive". I don't think I can call his Visa ban anything besides gutless. His visa ban is response to guarantees of non aggression, sovereignty and integrity of borders – US president gave. It was word of a US president. Word you say defines who you are...

Sorry people, I didn't post that idiotic comment above. Someone is trying to make me look stupid. For the record, I'm the true Greg here and I support the Russian side in this affair, not NATO's nor Obama's pretended outrage over Crimea.

It seems this did not come about quickly... In looking back to when the Olympics in China were opening Saakashvilli (with help) in Georgia brought about a situation right or wrong during the Olympics which promote peace around the world. China of course was humiliated, Mr. Putin was humiliated and had to return to Russia and missed the Olympics. A small happening occurred and matters seemed to quiet down.

Now during the Olympics in Socchi a similar happening in Kiev. Again an attempt to humiliate Mr. Putin by a well known right wing group. Mr. Putin bided his time until the Olympics were over. Then matters have been occurring; is there and "If-Then Theorem"? We see what Ms. Thatcher did when pushed into a corner via the Falkland Islands (she even threatened to drop a Nuclear Bomb on Paris for the Exocet Codes)........................ Do you expect Mr. Putin to react or do anything less than Ms. Thatcher? If you do, you are very foolish, for Mr. Putin even established the Chaplain's Service in the Russian Armed Services. His Armed Services are much different now!

Mr. Putin it seems will do what ever is necessary... Perhaps a person from the West who has nothing to gain and is welcomed by Mr. Putin can speak with him. In doing so there should be no agenda, for if there is you have defeated the ability to speak with each other.

The similarity of the Sochi Olympics to Hitler's 1936 Berlin Olympics was as obvious then as it is now. As to Putin stoking Russian Stalinist fascism and revanchist goals in Europe, here it is on video. The Adolf Hitler of our time.

Almost as scary as George W Bush speeches "your with us or against us", threatening the world. Putin did what any US President would do-"all options are on the table". So get over it, Ukraine is not a legitimate country and Crimea was never ceded by referendum. So its now right that the citizens voted. I hope the rest of Ukraine votes to secede as well. Russia should arm the freedom fighters in E.Ukraine.

March 27, 2014 at 10:21 pm |

Smitty

Putin knows Obumbles is no leader, hence fore he will do what he wants. He sees dems being arrested (4 so far this week) Reid might be next for fraud. He sees an inexperienced stone less as president. He basically sees the USA failing on all fronts. Europe will also do nothing, they have no one to lead either. Face it Putin has factored probably all of this and more. At this point there isn't a downside for him. very sad

Ukraine was never threat to Russia. Ukraine never threat to invade it. The only threat Ukraine was posing was to Putin, who was worry his own people might wake up and throw him of power,... which by the way they should have done long ago.
So to counter this he invaded Ukraine under false pretense, just as Hitler did Czechoslovakia in 1938.
Russian brain wash propaganda tries to persuade Russian populous from forever, that NATO is evil force build against Russia in result of West build in hate towards it. The reality is THE ONLY reason NATO exist is, there is not a single nation bordering Russia who was not invaded or tried to be invaded in last 100 years. Would Russia be civilized nation as Karpov and Soleznicin wished, there would be no need for NATO at all. Who want to spend money on tanks if it can have prettier car instead?

Eastern Ukraine! Putin is going to repatriate all of Ukraine. The US as usual has shown it cannot be trusted. Bush 41
agreed to not encircle Russia in exchange for Russia dismantling the Warsaw pact and ending the Cold War.
And Clinton broke that agreement with the US sponsored breakup of Yugoslavia. They tried again with Georgia
S. Ossetia. Ukraine was the final act of US treachery. Putin's line in the sand. He is thankfully going to shove
US foreign policy straight up Obama's A$$

Come on guys, how new, or rather how old is this "news"? If you haven't figured out what Putin is going to do, then you ave way behind in his tactics and overall strategy on the Ukraine and that part of the world. And for EU and the US's support of Ukraine? Extending $18bn load over 2 years, pending IMF approval. That is like giving someone stranded in the desert for 3 weeks with no water just 2 drops of water left in the bottle, would it really help? Ukraine already owes Russia more than $20bn in gas bill, and Russia wants at least $10bn payment NOW – for something that is overdue for a year. Can't blame them – market economy at play. The Russians don't need to "invade" any part of Ukraine – just make the payment, or they will repo the assets to pay for the overdue pay. It is called capitalism – market economy again.

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It is rather unrelated. Only hope LKY's Control Room won't make an inch to
the always his moves to interfere. c/o THE TAMAN BAHAGIA Lrt Station
(more MRT Stations going to be built
illegally. Progress of MRT refused to
stop. Stations creating future havocs
and dangers to the world 'FUQIAN' harmony
strutural dyfunctionals) -> JEALOUSIES prevailing...

who said keep the trains running on time was it a german yep and the soviet union is now moved to the eastern border one hundred and eighty ethnic russian german storm troopers to invade the west located in the north and south

I am awed by the way America is just threatened by Putin. I always thought America powerful. here they are just trembling about a situation which requires them to act. shame upon the once mighty America..

Putin's word and actions remind me of the Anschluss in 1938 when the world stood by and did nothing. An invasion of Ukraine not just Crimea seems more likely now and the world and CNN are more worried about a downed aircraft. Russia has nuclear weapons and the world cannot stand up against Putin – the small and corrupt man no longer stifled by the confines of communism. The little man with the Napoleonic complex, has the world running scared and knows he can get away with annexing Ukraine, Moldova. I ask the question where will this man stop? Who is going to be man enough to end his aggression?

It's not true! We never invade Ukraine. We don't need to do that. Crimea is our land and most of Crimea people wanted to join Russia. More than 70% of Russians live there. People are happy to escape from Ukraine crisis. You are blind listening to your goverment and media. Kruchev was Ukrainian himself and he gave Crimea to Ukraine by his own will, he didn't ask people if they want to join Ukraine or not. Now they had referendum and they made their choise. PEOPLE OF CRIMEA ARE HAPPY to be with Russia. Can you understand it?

i think there is a small chance that putin wil order his troops acros the border under the pretext of protecting rusian citizens in the ukrain however with the way he is dealing with the krimea previously georgia and its political sable rastling u have to understand that even other former warschau pact nations like poland , estonia, letvia and lithuania are geting a bad feeling when they see a recuring vision of empire in russia.
these nations have felt the iron fist of rusian dominated politics in the past and have a strong memory of how an even older conflict started when germany marched into sudetenland so called to protect the germans living there .
if the world does not take firm steps to try and get som sense into the head of putin wat wil we do if the rusian banner is flying over the capitol building in kiev?

I know people of Crimea, and NOBODY IS HAPPY, YES, you're right, 20% is happy, correct, Ukrainian & Tatars are all sad, but don't worry, they will kill Putin, it is just a matter of time... and the world will be free again, till the next hitler arises.

Typical dem brown nose response, Obumbles doesn't have a pair, until he does, it doesn't matter who is happy Putin will continue to bend Obumbles over. Obumbles even lied about his meeting with the Pope how can we offer any support when The BIGGEST LIAR OF THE YEAR cant pick a winner to save his soul. Couldn't even open a freaking website.

March 27, 2014 at 10:44 pm |

Kris Linthoudt

Crimea is not russian land,it is taken from the Ottowan Empire long before there were russian people. Crimea is in fact the land of Tatars.... Crimea Tatars, Russian people got nothing to do with Crimea. But no worries, Russia will fall into a big economic crisis, there will be a revolution and Putin will either day or running away as people will start protesting from the moment they see the big picture. Yulia Tymoshenko RULES!!!

After WWII Crimea was on the brink of food crisis after Tatars had been sent to Kazakhstan. The decision was made to transfer it to Ukrainein 1954. By the way it was part of Russian Federation since 1945, before that it was an Autonomous republic. In 10 years Russia failed to rebuild it, especially its agricultural sector. Also just after the war, population was 50 pct Tatars and 50 pct Russian/ Ukrainian.

Problem is that the more success the Russians enjoy in taking land by force, the more they are likely going to try and take. If we put forces in any part of the Ukraine the Russians would HAVE to think more then one time before moving in. If Russian forces killed US forces all bets would be off and war between the US and Russia would be all but certain.

Putin knows all of this and he knows he will not win a war against the US let alone the Rest of NATO. So putting even a small number of forces on the ground in Ukraine could be just enough deterrence. Dose it carry risk? yes, but then, so dose letting Russia think that it can go on land grabs at will with no challenge.

March 27, 2014 at 8:10 pm |

youaskforit

Agree, western troops in Ukraine to sent the right message before Ukraine disappears.

You don't need to put troops in Ukraine, but you can put troops close to Moscow, this will make a bigger impression then just sending troops to Ukraine. How did World War I started? With the dead of one person, now i believe it is very simple here... how much risk those US and Europe want to take and wait too long, killing one person or maybe millions of people dead. Luckily Ukraine people were smart in Crimea, but believe me they will fight for their country and with the money that the IMF is giving it is a big sign that Europe will not allow Russia to take control of Kiev.

The Russians are coming to take over eastern Ukraine.
Putin's justification for the invasion, like Hitler's in annexation of Sudentenland, has always been to "protect the Russian-speaking" parts of Ukraine, and that justification has not been completed yet.

Nonsense. All of it. Putin's goal is to strengthen Russia, not to weaken it. Annexation of Crimea strengthens Russia because the large majority of the Crimean and Russian population supports it and the main base of the Russian Black Sea fleet is now in Russia. Because of the complicated history, it is hard for the West to make an argument that Crimea is legally Ukrainian territory. This all changes if you go to Eastern Ukraine. Invasion of Ukraine will not serve any useful purpose unless, of course, it becomes clear that Ukraine is going to slide into anarchy. It is pretty clear that Eastern Ukraine will become pretty autonomous from Kiev in the internal affairs anyway, and this is much better deal for Russia than invading it and then trying to sort out the mess of collapsing Ukrainian state.

Olaf, you don't get the logic? Are you working under sovok logic as you do not recognize international agreements such as the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. I also suspect that you are well aware of the fixed elections typical of a Soviet election and which have not changed in the post-Soviet era. You have an agenda that is pro-Russian and the logic of the Greeks does not apply in your case.

I am not arguing the legal aspect of Crimean annexation one way or the other. I am simply saying that from the practical standpoint, annexation of Crimea makes sense for Russia, but the invasion of Eastern Ukraine does not.

March 27, 2014 at 6:08 pm |

Gerald O'Hare

Even if Russia did invade the eastern part of Ukraine, just what business is it of ours? When we ignominiously invaded Iraq back in 2003, the Russians said nothing and owe them the same favor!

OH SO WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS PUTIN LEADER OF THE IMAGINARY STATE OF THE FORMER RUSSIAN SOVIET ANEXATION OF CRIMEAS GERMAN UKRAINAN USSR A LENNON MORTUARY IS PLANTING MASSIVE FOOD CROPS OF LAND MINES TO HELP PET OWNERS KEEP THEIR DOGS OUT OF THE PET CEMETARY CREMORIUM OF POLISH LABOR CAMPS FOR NON PET OWNING JEWISH GERMANS

Crimea is not viable without Ukrainian electricity, water and gas.Russia will have to move into Ukraine. The US and Europe are going to watch it and make more condemnating declarations. We never understood how in history everybody was blind for Hitler and now we see it
happen again.

This Hitler analogy bores me to death. Everybody repeats it without taking a moment to think if it makes any sense. Ukraine is not going to cut off power to Crimea, because if that happens, Russia will turn off the natural gas flow to Ukraine, and that's the end of Ukrainian economy. There is no need for Russia to invade Ukraine to make sure that Crimea gets everything it needs from Ukraine.

The problem is tht Putin looks decades ahead. He does not want a NATO Ukraine facing his Black Sea ~Fleet. Yanukovich kept this "concern" on the back burner. But he was a stooge that Ukraine coulld not support. I see some hope in Julia Timoszenko, being more friendly to Russia.

Paul P. Valtos has it right. I'll take it a step further and supply Ukraine with what ever armaments it needs as well. Redeployment of equipment from Afghanistan and over stock from the US. Get Ukraine buying western armaments is good for business as well as geopolitics. We must move quickly. Ukraine must lead and amase 50,000 troops on its border with Russia immediately.

Stop. Breath. Let's not let Crimea become a 21st century Archduke Ferdinand.

That being said, the US and NATO had better get and be ready to defend all NATO member countries in a real shooting war. All the non-NATO states bordering Russia need to decide if they are ready to fight for their freedom. If you have readiness, fighting spirit, and determination, it might not come to a fight.

IT ALL STARTS WITH 1 AND REMEMBER YOU CANNOT KILL AN IDEA...REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE RIGHT OTHERS WILL AGREE IT (Your idea) WILL TAKE ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN AND SOONER OR LATER WHAT IS STARTED BY ONE (just like you) WILL CHANGE THE ARCH OF HISTORY...IF YOU TAKE THAT STEP AND DO IT (in fact) "SUCESSFULY" YOUR "CAUSE" SHOULD LIVE ON LONG AFTER THE CONFINES OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL REALITY. LIKEN: I DECIDED TO MAKE THE WORLDS BEST BURGER... I DID...I ATE THE BURGER... NOW I AM NOT HUNGRY AND I KNOW I MADE I MADE IT POSSIBLE BY STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS THAT CAME BEFORE ME AND TOOK THE BURGER TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Under Soviet rule, many Ukrainian farmers lost their lands and homes, and many ethnic Russians settled in the Ukraine. Under Soviet Rules the country's people their language and culture all suffered.

"No nation suffered more from Soviet communism than the Ukrainians," wrote Frum in his recent piece for CNN. "Ukrainian farmers lost their lands and homes to Soviet collectivization... millions died in the man-made famine that followed... their language and culture were stunted under Moscow rule; their intellectuals and writers were suppressed, banished, murdered, and defamed."

Not true. Collectivization was a country-wide. Every region in former USSR went through it. There were no preferences. Same for famine. Ukraine was not the only one. At the same time(1932-1933) people were starving in other regions of former USSR. As for language, Russian was main language in the cities. Kiev, Odessa, Donetsk, Har'kov, Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk, etc(with exception of Western Ukrainian cities) were Russian speaking cities. People in smaller cities/towns/ villages spoke mostly Ukrainian. But- you walk in any city and all advertisement, store and street names, etc were written on Ukrainian. Along with Russian speaking there were Ukrainian speaking TV channel, newspapers on Ukrainian language, Ukrainian language theaters, etc.

Putin is also a 1932-1933 Ukrainian Famine Genocide denier. Yes, other regions in the Soviet Union suffered but, some of the most fertile soil in the world was and is located in southern and southeastern Ukraine. By far Ukraine sufered the greatest losses of Stalin and Lazar Moiseyevich Kaganovich's campaign against the "kulaks" the successful, independent Ukrainian farmer class. Stalin was also waging a war again "believers", Orthodox Christians. Have you ever heard of the League of the Mlitant Godless?
For centuries, the Russian language was the language of the oppressor whether it was forced on Ukrainans by the czars or the Bolsheviks. Perhaps you should look into the history of the bans on the Ukrainan language before you post dezinformatsiya...

March 27, 2014 at 4:35 pm |

stranger

To Volodymir:

I don't post "desinformatsiya". I post facts. No more and no less. Whether you like those facts or you don't, it does not matter.
All parts of former Russian Empire were straggling during the collectivization and "successful farmer class" it was destroyed throughout and regardless whether it was Ukraine or Russia.

As for "League of Militant Atheists", yes, I've heard about it (I also heard about KKK). Anyways, both of my parents were born in 1930s and both were baptized as a babies. And nobody sent them(or my grandparents to jail for doing that). I was baptized too- in 1960s. And, growing up, I was going to church. Not every Sunday, but I was there for Easter, Christmas, etc. Also and just FYI: during and after the War there were regular (and public) church services in Moscow as well as in other parts of Soviet Union.
I don't have to look into history to find out about Ukrainian language situation in USSR. I spent enough time in Ukraine to see it myself.

History is a funny thing: there are facts and there are people that interpreting those facts the way it fits them. It seems like your interpretation is a way to bias...

March 27, 2014 at 6:11 pm |

Volodymyr

Was that the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow?...the one that worked with the CHEKA, NKVD & KGB?
Researchhow many thousands of Ukrainian Orthodox & Catholic priests, bishops and nuns were tortured, murdered or set o the Gulags by the pious Russian militant atheists in the Kremlin? Not a whimper from the Russian Orthodox Church

March 27, 2014 at 6:46 pm |

stranger

Yeap, that’s the one- the one and only Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). And, until 1990s all of Ukrainian Orthodox Churches were part of it. Then, some high ranking priest decided that he does not has enough power so he broke up with Mother Church and put together his own patriarchate. Unfortunately for him, his church/patriarchate is not recognized by any other Orthodox Church in the world. And never will be. But that’s my guess…
As for Catholics, most Catholics in Ukraine are people of Polish ancestry. While I will be doing my research, don’t waste your time and research how many Polish people (including women, children and priests) were killed by our friends from OUN/UPA…
But there is a chance that you were talking about Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests… Well, yes… They were arrested, tortured, etc. Entire church was operating underground. The only explanation I would have is that those priests/members of the church were supporting OUN/UPA and SS division Galichina. In other words, they were collaborating with Germans during WWII...

Once again, history is a funny thing…

March 28, 2014 at 12:29 am |

stranger

"The belief is that Russian forces would move toward three Ukrainian cities: Kharkiv, Luhansk and Donetsk in order to establish land access into Crimea". Really?! Someone need to take a geography class as neither one of those regions has a land border with Krym: It seems like Intel was prepared by the same guy who had evidence of WMD in Iraq...

In fact he is. What the "puTLER" wants, is to move borders back to the west.
Most important is, that since centuries the goal of Great Russia was to dominate from sea to sea.
Please read about Catherine II and her plans. What Stalin tried and puTLER continues is exactly an execution of those plans. Look what puTLER said on 25 april 2005.
If he enters to the Ukraine it will be the beginning of the 3rd world war.
Tomorrow UE should close all gas valves. It wan't be easy, byt if ww3 starts, there will be also no gas.
UE should slow the beast down. No gas, no money, no tanks, no weapons – no puTLER.

I agree, but it's not that easy. Even if all the gas and oil pipes are sealed and all the foreighn assets impounded, Putin will simply resort to nuclear racket, much like North Corea does. And unlike NK, Russia has thousands of thermonuclear missiles that can actually reach any city on the planet. There's no viable solution as long as this criminal camarilla has the country. At this point, they can grab any neighboring territory (Baltic countries included) practically at will, with minimal military force.

March 28, 2014 at 8:55 am |

Rod

Hmmm... I heard that "an old classified intelligence assessment concluded that Iraq had WoMD".

Hi...I disagree with brain washing..I would say there is plenty anti Russian propaganda in west ( I'm from Russia but don't live there for long). I read news across the world and lucky enough to speak 5 Lang. To understand the clear anti Russian propaganda in Germany us France and UK...it's a shame. Such tiny countries have nothing to offer apart from accusations and sanctions. I'm not supporting aggressive methods of Russian government, but you need to be a really poor politician to sanction Russia (biggest country in the world). My heart bleeds for Ukraine and Russia...read history. There were no other way than to accept Crimea...

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CNN's Security Clearance examines national and global security, terrorism and intelligence, as well as the economic, military, political and diplomatic effects of it around the globe, with contributions from CNN's national security team in Washington and CNN journalists around the world.